Nasty spring storm hits Toronto, GTA with 40 mm of rain expected through Wednesday

A special weather statement remains in place as Toronto braces for more heavy rain, potential wet snow and powerful winds expected to linger through Wednesday.

Environment Canada warned of a Colorado low that started affecting the region on Tuesday. Steady rain by the afternoon became heavier overnight.

Photos captured at Perth Square Park in Toronto’s Junction Triangle showed how powerful wind gusts were as a massive tree collapsed, resulting in some minor damage.

A neighbour told CityNews the tree fell around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday during the storm.

Photos:

Thunder was also heard in regions, and similar storms will likely pop up on Wednesday. These weather alerts are scattered across southern Ontario, including several areas in the GTA.

“Rain, which may be heavy at times, is expected to continue early [Wednesday] morning,” the weather alert reads.

“Rain should transition to snow late today or tonight as temperatures cool, although significant amounts are not expected.”

Extended forecast promising

Toronto could see between 25 to 40 mm of rainfall throughout the day, with similar amounts north towards cottage country. Intensifying winds through Wednesday could result in localized tree damage and power outages, with Environment Canada warning of gusts of up to 80 km/h.

The winds are expected to ease by Wednesday night.

Periods of wet snow will fill in across GTA and southern Ontario through the overnight hours, with all of the south transitioning to wet snow by Thursday morning. Areas like Waterloo and Orangeville could see 5 to 15 cm of wet snow by the morning. 

The good news? Double-digit temperatures and sun are forecast for the weekend, with the potential for 13 C and sunny skies by Monday. For the latest on your extended forecast and the sign-up for the CityNews Weather Guarantee, click here.